Category: Album Reviews 2019

Druids – Monument

Iowa based psychedelic stoner/sludge metal trio Druids has the chance to reach a wider audience with the mighty guitar driven grooves and the inspired songwriting approach of the new studio effort “Monument”.  

You can easily recognize familiar sludge dynamics on the album opener “New Breath” which is filled with massive guitar riffs marching steady through moody rhythmic progressions and mysterious melodic phrases that always ensure enough variety to keep the listeners interested. 

Since the beginning “Mirrors Of Trigon” offers monumental doom laden guitar riffs and harsh vocals following a slower enigmatic rhythm that inevitably amplifies the darkened arcane nature of the song while the massive fuzzy sludge/stoner force ensures plenty of groovy moments. 

“Shivast” hits you in the face with an overdose of extra heavy guitar riffs and bold vocals leading to some quite frantic rhythmic patterns yet maintains an inner melodic essence through the smooth progressive elements of the lead guitar work. 

In the end “Monument” dwells within a compelling mystical realm and holds a solid doom essence that fully comes to life through the many colossal heavy grooves diligently and confidently created by Druids. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ebq_9NgFr4

Baroness – Gold & Grey

After many acclaimed releases there are high expectations for what Baroness has crafted on the brand new album, and final entry in the band’s canon of kaleidoscopic releases, “Gold & Grey” and despite some misfortune and line-up changes you can perceive a great band chemistry here and a strong desire to blend variegated music styles with an intricate songwriting approach rather than deliver a straightforward collection of metal songs.

“Front Toward Enemy” begins with subtle atmospheric layers that introduce a groovy instrumental ensemble featuring unrestrained guitar riffs bearing bombastic sludge elements combined with prog finesse.

“I’m Already Gone” shifts the focus to calmer melancholia infused soundscapes with loads of soulful guitar melodies accompanied by a cathartic vocal delivery that definitely channels profoundly somber emotions.

“Seasons” has an inner melodic soul but can sound absolutely fierce with the stylish prog inspired rhythmic variations and the moments of rambunctious speed courtesy of the impressive precise drumming.

The sheer melancholy of “Tourniquet” comes to life through the fragile arpeggios and will often surface again through the soothing tonalities of the guitar leads even if the chunky bass lines and the bold guitar riffs eventually become dominant in the creation of massive grooves.

“Cold Blooded Angels” conveys intense emotions with warm vocals following nostalgic guitar melodies and comforting atmospheric arrangements but will later add some vibrant heavier rhythmic progressions without sacrificing the passionate melodic ensemble.

“Broken Halo” returns to cohesive guitar driven grooves that demand to be played loud and are certainly emphasized by thunderous drum blasts nevertheless there is room for wild unexpected experimental segments with kaleidoscopic synths.

“Borderlines” is full of magical spacey rock nuances deeply influencing the terrific fuzzy guitar riffs and the evocative harmonies of the compelling solo leading to thrilling instrumental crescendos that still manifest gloomy feelings yet offer palpable bursts of positive energy.

The shoegaze inspiration and the psychedelic accents behind “Pale Sun” lead to dizzy guitar tonalities, slow burning melodies and hazy atmospheres naturally amplified by the dreamy vocal delivery and the laid back rhythmic section.

“Gold & Grey” successfully maintains sonic diversity even if all the tracks seem to be connected by an understated emotional link and besides the evident mature musicianship probably the fact that Baroness skillfully and genuinely expresses all these contrasting emotions will attract even more listeners.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQeAvbTVWiU

Waste Of Space Orchestra – Syntheosis

Waste Of Space Orchestra is not an average band but the result of an adventurous collaboration between Finnish bands Oranssi Pazuzu and Dark Buddha Rising that comes to life on the darkly psychedelic opus “Syntheosis”.

As soon as “Void Monolith” begins you can already perceive the enigmatic force of the psychedelic themes that characterize the entire album. Intricate atmospheric layers introduce profoundly darkened guitar melodies flowing through monolithic rhythmic patterns that channel mighty doom vibes especially evident in the faster borderline chaotic segments built by powerful drumming and heavy guitar dynamics.

On “Seeker’s Reflection” the guitar driven psychedelic rock grooves take the center stage while the spacey atmospheric arrangements feel quite mystical and the primal growls contribute to amplify the obscure aspects of the instrumental passages.

The cosmic psychedelia of “Journey To The Center Of Mass” is constantly emphasized by the mysterious atmospheric aura and trippy electronic accents that could easily induce a trance state while the final part of the song becomes increasingly darker with gloomy guitar tonalities and harsh growls.

On “Wake Up The Possessor” the mystical atmospheric arrangements are definitely amplified by ethereal female vocals and psychedelic accents followed by significantly heavier rhythmic segments accompanied by hellish growls fueled by an ominous blackened momentum.

The lengthy title track showcases a complex multifaceted composition that revolves around a mind-bending blend of monumental doom tinged guitar riffs, grave melodic textures and massive mystifying electronic/drone waves that inevitably will make you feel dizzy within an endless psychedelic blackened rhythmic maze.  

Waste Of Space Orchestra have created something truly unique that transcends any standard music genre as “Syntheosis” is like a work of alchemy and a visionary search for knowledge that will impress but also challenge the listeners.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCR-OrN41E0

Monkey3 – Sphere

Swiss instrumental rockers Monkey3 embark on a new interstellar journey with the massive heavy psychedelic rock jams of the latest studio effort “Sphere”.

There are no boundaries on the lengthy album opener “Spirals” which is a truly trippy sonic experience that will take you far away as majestic spacey atmospheric arrangements introduce a groovy rhythmic ensemble that relies on the precise drumming and the excellent guitar work shifting from intense stoner rock riffs to delightful luminous melodic leads.

The astral trip continues with “Axis” offering exceptional and utterly eclectic guitar progressions with acidic rock tonalities and gorgeous crispy melodies that naturally create the perfect balance between the spacey contemplative moments and the heavier rhythmic dynamics.

“Mass” can sound like a soothing dream with tranquil atmospheric nuances and melancholic harmonies or a wild hallucinogenic experience due to the monumental guitar riffs plus this track features a tremendous shredding galore courtesy of renowned guitarist Bumblefoot.

“Ellipsis” is a striking mini opus that could belong to an unknown parallel universe and has the ability to channel cathartic feelings through the elaborate cosmic atmospheric layers that surround impeccable guitar progressions & groovy riffage spiced up by loads of psychedelic accents and embellished by intriguing abstract melodic passages that lead to a dense instrumental crescendo in the song’s glorious finale.

Undoubtedly “Sphere” has the necessary hypnotic power to make you instantly space out and also features fascinating cinematic soundscapes and memorable melodic tapestries meticulously composed by Monkey3 with outstanding musicianship throughout the whole album.  

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d4Ars87-UU

Gaahls WYRD – GastiR – Ghosts Invited

Renowned prolific black metal vocalist & composer Gaahl has created the new anticipated debut album “GastiR – Ghosts Invited” under the moniker Gaahls WYRD which certainly showcases distinct black metal roots but deliberately goes beyond such genre following an experimental and theatrical vision.

“Ek Erilar” is drenched in undiluted darkness as dense atmospheric layers add mystical depth to the asphyxiating blackened rhythmic patterns but there are also some epic moments well expressed by the sober distant chants and grave melodic guitars that amplify the mysterious vibes.

“Ghosts Invited” sometimes sounds less extreme stepping out of the traditional black metal formula but still maintaining a thunderous blackened force and in the end the dramatic clean vocals and the gloomy guitar progressions become more intriguing.

On “Carving The Voices” the darkened aesthetics acquire contemplative vibes through the sophisticated guitar melodies and the solemn vocal delivery that certainly evokes a multitude of grim feelings well supported by the primal rhythmic dynamics lurking in the dark.  

With faster menacing rhythmic bursts “Veiztu Hve” returns to a more aggressive approach filled with steady monochromatic guitar riffs and mournful melodic accents surrounded by massive sinister chants and haunting atmospheres.

The obscure allure of “Within The Voice Of Existence” is constantly generated by ghastly whispers accompanied by the slow hypnotizing guitar progressions that will eventually evolve into a series of arcane rhythmic crescendos within an impenetrable darkness.

“GastiR – Ghosts invited” focuses on cryptic nuances and contrasting tonalities rather than a full blown black metal assault and ultimately Gaahls WYRD craft an extremely dark opus that is bound to trigger curiosity in the underground metal scene.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWjjTKPevE

Numenorean – Adore

Canadian post black metallers Numenorean worked hard for three years to craft the sophomore album “Adore” which has the potential to conquer the listeners with cathartic instrumental passages and fiery blackened force.

The melancholic nuances evoked by soft soulful guitar melodies on “Portrait Of Pieces” showcase evident shoegaze inspiration and are certainly essential throughout the entire song while angered feelings are fully expressed by the blackened rhythmic crescendos and ravenous growls.

On “Horizon” the black metal energy of the album is confidently unleashed since the very beginning through a fast merciless rhythmic assault but such aggressive approach doesn’t sacrifice the melodic aspects that will later emerge through emotive harmonious guitar phrases.

“Stay” is a brief track that emphasizes the melodic essence and the dreamy shoegaze elements of the album as hazy atmospheres surround mellow darkened guitar melodies and emotional clean vocals.  

The daydreaming mood of “Coma” allows poignant guitar melodies to take the center stage before embracing a fierce increasingly darker soundscape fueled by relentless blackened guitar riffs and obscure tonalities.

The title track successfully maintains the balance between contrasting tonalities offering loads of dramatic melancholia infused instrumental passages and lovely contemplative arpeggios executed in proper modern post-metal fashion while the mighty rhythmic section leads to moments of sheer blackened fury.

Even if Numenorean are still relatively new in the current metal scene they already have the ability to express their own personalities through music and words embarking on a sonic evolution that becomes increasingly powerful on “Adore”.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbv4okiAcAE

Gold – Why Aren’t you Laughing?

It’s not easy to categorize the music style of Dutch band Gold but their eclectic creative force is very clear on the fourth full length “Why Aren’t You Laughing?” which naturally expresses an emotional turmoil telling personal stories and experimenting with different sounds.

“He Is Not” can sound quite gloomy as guitars craft spellbinding melodies with enticing goth vibes enhanced by Milena Eva’s dazzling and deeply emotive vocals yet the rhythmic section ensures plenty of catchy vibes.

On “Things I Wish I Never Knew” the darkened atmosphere naturally surrounds the vibrant guitar work that showcases a diverse approach shifting from steady riffs to compelling melancholia infused leads and the resulting multitude of feelings is further emphasized by Milena’s soothing vocal delivery.

The dreamy atmospheric nuances and delicate guitar phrases of title track introduce a groovy instrumental ensemble that relies on the increasingly energetic rhythmic patterns and towards the finale the guitars even acquire rebellious quasi chaotic tonalities.

In the beginning “Taken By Storm” is full of bittersweet harmonies that will evolve into a massive heavier & faster rhythmic ensemble featuring sharp guitar riffs and obscure tonalities clearly fueled by a primal blackened force that inevitably evoke tormented feelings.  

“Wide-Eyed” has an introspective mood as the guitar work creates irresistible darkened nuances through unusual rhythmic patterns and hypnotizing melodies surrounded by intricate brooding atmospheres always embellished by passionately melancholic vocals.

On “Till Death Do Us Part” Milena is able to express genuine emotions with ethereal vocals accompanied by fragile guitar melodies that maintain an apparent serenity while later eerie post-metal dynamics will flourish influencing the whole instrumental ensemble.

The multifaceted nature of “Why Aren’t You Laughing?” is fundamental in the creation of a unique sonic experience that can always move the listeners and Gold confidently prove to have the ability to craft elaborate soundscapes that will definitely grab your attention.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIGcUd9W6Cw

Darkthrone – Old Star

Norwegian legends Darkthrone return with the brand new album “Old Star” which this time unleashes a savage series of guitar driven grooves with prominent 80’s thrash & death/doom metal influences within a distinct dark sonic realm.  

“I Muffle Your Inner Choir” relies on consistent no frills heavy rhythmic patterns and the unmistakable ominous growls of Nocturno Culto creating a fiery sonic assault that doesn’t really need breakneck speed to make an impact and actually sounds more accessible than expected.

“The Hardship Of The Scots” focuses on an overdose of gritty guitar riffs leading to bold black n’ roll grooves that throughout the song will evolve into dramatically slower doom laden segments that certainly amplify the obscure undertones.

With a deeply darkened mood the title track again puts the spotlight on the extremely cold somber guitar work delivering the perfect dosage of dismal tonalities accompanied by venomous raspy vocals as the fiery black metal roots and the slower doom elements naturally embrace.  

“The Key Is Inside The Wall” definitely channels a sense of impending doom that recurs through the frenetic drumming and the relentless guitar riffs fueled by familiar menacing blackened elements while the slick guitar leads have the ability to create memorable gloomy melodic moments.

While you can always perceive a strong blackened force behind the songwriting approach of “Old Star” the iconic duo Fenriz & Nocturno Culto clearly aims to expand the music vision of Darkthrone that on this album generates constant groovy vibes with the addition of old school dynamics that inevitably make you feel nostalgic.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6h4b-Jm8iU

Kampfar – Ofidians Manifest

Norwegian band Kampfar has been around for twenty five years crafting intense extreme metal music and after taking some time off to heal the release of the new album “Ofidians Manifest” marks a majestic renaissance.

“Syndefall” unleashes an obscure impactful sonic assault with vicious growls matching the aggressive rhythmic patterns which belong to the darkest realm of metal showcasing an inflamed blackened force that demands anguished atmospheres and belligerent guitar riffs.

On “Ophidian” the soaring guitar riffs confidently craft obscure rhythmic progressions channeling an overdose of dismal emotions enriched by the addition of some triumphant epic vibes fully expressed by the solemn clean vocals and choirs.

“Dominans” continues to offer wicked blackened grooves but stands out for the mysterious aura and suspenseful keyboards arrangements that surround a darkly alluring melodic essence enhanced by a dramatic vocal duet featuring guest vocalist Agnete Kjølsrud.

A sense of desolation emerges through fragile acoustic phrases on the lavish final track “Det Sorte” followed by powerful rhythmic blasts characterized by fast grim guitar riffs and pagan metal accents while the exquisite melancholic soul will truly come to life through dreamy piano melodies, haunting atmospheric arrangements and theatrical vocal delivery.

Kampfar naturally demonstrate the ability to express authentic emotions through gelid melodic tapestries and ferocious blackened momentum on “Ofidians Manifest” which always holds a darkened fervor that feels like the perfect way to begin a new flourishing chapter of the band’s career.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABZcb0kbfi8

Latitudes – Part Island

UK-based post-metal outfit Latitudes invites you to join an immersive music journey within the gorgeous melancholia infused melodic grandeur of the new full length “Part Island” which for the first time in the band’s career features captivating vocals on every track.

In the beginning “Underlie” will conquer your heart with the poetic themes, the understated piano melodies and the delicate arpeggios accompanied by exquisite emotive vocals while later the whole instrumentation takes over to generate a darker rhythmic momentum.

On “Moorland Is The Sea” the dreamy nature of post-metal always feels prominent through charming atmospheric arrangements and sophisticated guitar melodies that often evolve into significantly heavier doom tinged rhythmic patterns yet never overlook the irresistible nostalgic vibes.

Like the rest of the album “Dovestone” can trigger an emotional tumult as distorted guitars use familiar blackened dynamics to craft a cohesive rhythmic structure with the right dosage of darkened grooves firmly supporting the intricate melodic & atmospheric tapestries adorned by heartfelt vocals.

The title track takes you to a majestic yet desolate sonic realm offering a multitude of mesmerizing melodic textures, fragile harmonies and a lovely introspective vocal delivery that will continue to evoke a profound sense of melancholy through the fascinating tranquil guitar phrases as well as the dramatic & heavier rhythmic crescendos.

What Latitudes have created with “Part Island” is an absolutely enchanting collection of songs that have the power to move the listeners and showcases an impressive mature songwriting approach that benefits also from the expression of sincere emotions through music and words.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coSyb3EC-Hc